The bulky knit rug I shared last month has been so popular, I thought I’d share a variation on the pattern for using it as a blanket. The polyester yarn used is perfect for a knit throw project because it’s washable. As an owner of two dogs, an often-used throw is going to get dog hair (and maybe a little drool) on it no matter what, so washability is a must for a living room project like this! Maybe human parents out there can relate… ;)
Exhibit A. The original rug pattern, & my dog Woodrow.
Bulky Knit Throw Pattern
Constructed just like the bulky knit rug, this blanket is knit on huge (size 50 US) needles with doubled up yarn. Three panels are knit and then sewn together to form the larger blanket size.
Abbreviations
CO – cast on
k – knit
p – purl
sts – stitches
BO – bind off
Supplies
1 pair size 50 US knitting needles
4 skeins Bernat Blanket yarn (300g/10.5 oz.) in Pale Grey
tapestry needle for sewing panels & weaving in ends
scissors
Gauge: 1 stitch and 1.5 rows/inch in stockinette stitch
The Pattern
This whole pattern is knit holding two strands of yarn together to achieve a bulkier “yarn.”
Panel 1 & 3: Stockinette Panel
CO 20 sts
1. k across
2. p across
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until panel measures 5 feet. BO all sts and weave in ends.Panel 2: Garter Panel
CO 20 sts
k all rows
Continue until panel measures 5 feet. BO all sts and weave in ends.Using a tapestry needle, sew panels 1 & 3 to either side of panel 2. Weave in all ends to finish.
marissa | rae gun ramblings
April 30, 2015 at 1:49 amlooks perfect for snuggling under with a good book!
Beth
April 30, 2015 at 10:32 amThis looks awesome and easy. As a “knewbie” are size 50 needles relatively easy to handle? I know you have this tagged as a beginner pattern, but I also don’t want to get frustrated trying to manipulate giant knitting needles. Thanks. :)
Heidi
April 30, 2015 at 8:45 pmI think so, especially for brand new “knewbies”! If you’ve been knitting on more standard sizes for awhile, adjusting to the biggest size is a little awkward, which is what I found. Instead of knitting with your fingers/tips of your fingers, you’re using your whole hands, and even some of your forearms, to manipulate the needles. I think uber-bulky knitting isn’t for everyone, but the finished product is really fascinating to look at & touch.
Julie
April 30, 2015 at 6:15 pmI pinned this when you posted it, because I like it so much! And so applicable for pet owners (like me!)
Heidi
April 30, 2015 at 8:45 pmAww, thanks, Julie! :D
rosemary
June 3, 2015 at 12:54 amLove the bulky throw and would like to knit it – can you tell me what ply the wool is you have used – just want to get the same look as you have thanks
Heidi
June 3, 2015 at 9:08 amHi Rosemary – it’s single ply, but I’m holding two strands together. Here’s a link to the yarn I used: http://www.yarnspirations.com/yarn/blanket.html. Best of luck! -Heidi
rosemary
June 3, 2015 at 9:15 pmThanks Heidi :)
Christine
September 13, 2015 at 8:22 pmWhat length of needles did you use?
Heidi
September 14, 2015 at 10:23 pm14 inches. If you’ve got a local JoAnn’s, they’re the plastic size 50 needles from Boye that they carry: http://www.joann.com/boye-jumbo-knitting-needle-pair-14in-size-50-/8215881.html. If you don’t like stitches bunching up at the end of rows, I recommend using circular needles. I don’t mind on a quick project like this, but I know some people really hate that!
Susan
December 12, 2015 at 9:03 amHello! Very, very knewbie knitter here, as in this is my first project. I just relized that I have size 50 circular needles, can I still do this project?
Susan
December 12, 2015 at 9:05 amOh dear, sorry Heidi! I just read the post above mine!
Heidi
December 13, 2015 at 2:28 amNo worries! :)
Julie
January 26, 2016 at 7:59 pmHi! What size tapestry needle can be used to sew the panels together? Also, do I just kind of put them next to each other and sew it up, or should I watch a tutorial? Thanks so much!
Heidi
January 28, 2016 at 1:32 pmWhatever you’re most comfortable with. Some knitters are new to sewing, so the video may be helpful if you’re a stickler for technique. But it’s your blanket – follow your heart! ;)
vicky
December 17, 2018 at 8:57 pmHi Heidi!
I just stumbled upon your “bulky Throw” pattern. I’m a very basic knitter but would love to give this a try! Do you have s video of you sawing the three lives together once knitted? I found your video on
YouTube where you state that you used the “mattress” stitch. I’m unfamiliar with this and what size/type needle you used.
Heidi
December 19, 2018 at 9:05 amHere’s a tutorial that explains how to do the Mattress Stitch. It’s important know that it’s a sewing stitch, and not a knitting stitch. Here’s a video & photo tutorial I did that walks you through it: https://www.allfreeknitting.com/video-basics/how-to-knit-the-mattress-stitch. Let me know if you run into any hiccups! -Heidi :)
Vicky
December 27, 2018 at 11:52 pmHi Heidi,
I bought the 4 skeins of yarn as the pattern suggested. I’m no t even finished with the first panel and have already added the last two skeins of yarn on. I’m concerned I will have to buy several more. Any thoughts as to why I’m going through the yarn so quickly?
Vicky
Heidi
December 29, 2018 at 9:10 amHi Vicky! Happy to help. :) The first question to ask to figure out what’s up is always: Are you getting gauge?
What’s the listed yardage/weight listed on your skeins?
Chloe Thompson
January 20, 2017 at 7:06 pmHeidi,
So happy I found this pattern first off-looks so pretty and I can’t wait to finish… what is the gauge for the yarn you used? I want to use Patons Cobbles yarn I got in a value pack from JoAnn’s and I’m not sure if it would be better with the double strand as you suggested or with just the one.
Thanks!
Heidi
January 24, 2017 at 10:19 amThe gauge measures: 4 stitches and 6 rows = 4 inches in stockinette. I noted the gauge on Ravelry and skipped it here – thanks for asking! I’ll add that to the pattern now. :)
Susan
October 15, 2018 at 7:15 amHello, I am going to start this project. It looks great! Thanks so much for posting it. Can you please tell me which Bernat Blanket Yarn you used? It looks like there are several different kinds of Bernat Blanket yarn.
Heidi
October 15, 2018 at 1:17 pmYep, you’ll need four 300g skeins Bernat Blanket yarn in Pale Grey. You’ll have to double check the yardage on the labels to confirm. Bernat Blanket has gotten so popular that they’ve released tons of variations on it. Just remember that 300*4= 1200g when you go shopping. Hope this helps! Good luck. :)
Susan
October 25, 2018 at 7:01 amThanks so much for the information
Alex Breen
October 31, 2018 at 8:23 amHi, would I be able to make this with t shirt ribbon yarn?
Heidi
October 31, 2018 at 4:41 pmSure – which yarn are you thinking of using? I can try to give you my best tips for success. :)
Vicky
December 30, 2018 at 10:41 pmHi Heidi! Thank you for your continued help on this project! I don’t know if I’m getting the gauge or not. I’ve ripped it out and started over probably five times. I noticed on the picture you have with your dog laying on yours that on the Purl panels you can see the Purl stitch and then a row of the knit stitch. Mine you can only see the Purl stitch but not a row of the Knit stitch. I like the look of yours better. The opposite side only reflects the Knit stitch which I think it should. I couldn’t find the blanket Bernat yarn in the color you used. I ended up buying Bernat Mega Bulky. It is also 10.5 Oz/300 g. It might not be as thick or fat. Any thoughts? Thanks again!
Maggie
July 12, 2019 at 8:56 pmHi Heidi,
I feel even less than a beginner, being older to start learning (63). All the same, my son is going to Afghanistan soon, for several months. I would like to knit him an afghan, to help keep me sane till his return! I think I could undertake this pattern. I found the Bernat Blanket Yarn. My question is this: what happens to a self-striping pattern when you double strand it? I also liked the Inkwell color, which is more symmetrical in nature: not striping, but all 3 colors in every strand. Would either of these things work? Thank you!
Maggie
Heidi
July 15, 2019 at 10:27 amIf you use two strands of a self-striping yarn, you have a couple options. You can be really careful and line up the beginning of each color to achieve a matching effect. You can also throw caution to the wind and let them line up however, and the effect will be something called “marled” or “marling.” This article explains a bit about what marling is if you’re curious: https://www.masondixonknitting.com/whats-great-marling/. Best of luck to your son as he’s overseas, and feel free to reach out if you’ve got more questions!
Yours in yarn,
Heidi